Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez told Fox Sports on Saturday that he is ready to report back to camp.

The 17th-year veteran and future Hall of Famer said he would join the team Saturday and begin working out Sunday. He added that he will be ready to play the Falcons’ next preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 24.

“It’s time for me to get back there,” Gonzalez said. “I need to get some work with (quarterback) Matt (Ryan) and the offense. I’m excited.”

Gonzalez nearly retired last season before changing his mind and deciding to return this year. He reported to training camp but took a leave after just two days.

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Falcons tight ends coach Chris Scelfo told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he has been speaking with Gonzalez on a regular basis.

“We’ve been in communications with him quite a bit with the technology that we have today; it’s state of the art,” Scelfo said. “We’ll get him up to speed. We are using the iPad and we speak just about every night.”

Gonzalez made 93 catches for 930 yards with eight touchdowns last year.